Spirited Reviews March 2016

The following are new products we've received and other products reviewed during March 2016. Products are listed according to the Difford’s Guide rating awarded to them. Please click on product names for tasting notes and further information.

Difford's Guide rating 5/5 [exceptional]

The Arran 18 Year Old Island Single Malt Scotch WhiskyWell-balanced, full-bodied and generous with toasty malt and dry spicy oak balanced by a sweet creaminess with notes of dark chocolate, brioche, pear tart. With a splash of water delicate lavender and orange fondant creams are revealed.

Difford's Guide rating 4.5/5 [excellent]

Aviation American GinTraditionalists who like their gin to be predominantly juniper may be disappointed by the very subtle juniper notes in this "New Western" style gin. However, this gin is not trying to appeal to traditionalists, it is designed have its own distinctive style. As the name suggests it also works well in an Aviation.

Silent Pool GinTree bark and rooty bitterness, piney juniper with kaffir lime influenced citrus zestiness, enlivening black pepper spice and distinctive lavender. For many, kaffir lime will over dominate, and the two dozen botanicals which flavour this gin perhaps lack integration. However, Silent Pool Gin is characterful and distinctive, offering flavours not found in more subdued gins. Fabulous packaging.

Difford's Guide rating 4/5 [recommended]

Edinburgh Beer Factory Paolozzi LagerThe "lager re-born" statement on the label is perhaps a tad overstated, but this beer is indeed tasty compared many a bland lager with an attractive bready maltiness and grassy hops. That label is also rather slick and helps this lager standout.

Absenteroux Vermouth a l'AbsintheTo be termed a 'vermouth' requires a product to contain some wormwood. As this vermouth's name suggests it contains generous quantities of Artemisia absinthium and so has pronounced bitterness.

Revolte RumWonderfully raw and expressive rather than refined, with intense grassy and fruity esters.